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WASWD Updates for May 5, 2025

WASWD publishes this bi-weekly e-newsletter to convey current information about legislative and regulatory issues, other issues of importance to districts, and upcoming training and other events
WASWD Updates Archive

President's FY 2026 Budget Proposes Deep Cuts
2025 Session Adjourns
Warm Spring, Fast Snowmelt - Drought Concerns
FEMA Abruptly Cancels BRIC Program
Legislative News
New Birch Bay Finance Director
PFAS
Funding News
Trainings, Conferences & Events
Associate Member Spotlight
  
 
 President's FY 2026 Budget Deep Cuts
President's FY 2026 Budget Proposes Deep Cuts to EPA and State Revolving Funds
On May 2, President Trump submitted his FY2026 budget proposal to Congress, requesting a $4.2 billion reduction in funding for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) compared to FY2025. The most significant cut targets the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs), which would receive just $305 million—a reduction of $2.46 billion. The President's accompanying letter to Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins claims that the SRFs are being undercut by congressional earmarks, are duplicative of other federal loan programs, and have already received substantial funding through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).

Other major reductions in the proposal include:
  • $1 billion cut to EPA's Categorical Grant Programs
  • $254 million cut to Superfund cleanups
  • $235 million cut to EPA's Office of Research and Development
  • $100 million cut to the Office of Environmental Justice
  • $90 million cut to Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) grants
  • $100 million cut to atmospheric protection programs
The proposal includes only two notable increases:
  • $124 million for drinking water programs (+$9 million from FY2025)
  • $31 million for Indian Reservation Drinking Water programs (+$27 million from FY2025)
Statement From the Washington Association of Sewer & Water Districts (WASWD) Regarding the FY 2026 Fededral Budget Proposal
The Washington Association of Sewer & Water Districts (WASWD) is deeply concerned about the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 federal budget, which includes a staggering 55 percent reduction in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) funding, including drastic cuts to the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs). These funds are vital to supporting water and sewer districts across the nation, enabling local utilities to carry out essential projects that safeguard public health and protect the environment.

The SRFs are a cornerstone of our nation's water infrastructure, providing critical low-cost financing for utilities, especially small systems that are often the most vulnerable to rising costs. These funds help ensure that water systems can continue to meet federal and state requirements, while avoiding significant financial burdens on communities and ratepayers. The proposed reduction in SRF funding by nearly 90 percent would cripple our ability to make the investments necessary to maintain and modernize water infrastructure at a time when demand for clean water and wastewater services is at an all-time high.

The impact of these cuts would be felt directly by the residents of Washington State. Many communities, particularly those in rural areas, rely on SRF funding to address aging infrastructure, improve water quality, and meet increasingly stringent regulatory standards. If these cuts are implemented, local utilities would face difficult choices, including higher rates for customers already struggling with rising costs of living.

WASWD strongly opposes these proposed cuts and will be urging the White House and Congress to prioritize increased investment in water infrastructure. The SRFs have long been a bipartisan solution to meeting our nation's water challenges, and cutting this funding would undermine the progress we've made in providing safe, affordable drinking water and wastewater treatment to communities across the country.

We urge all members to remain vigilant as this budget proposal moves forward and to advocate for the continued funding of these critical programs. Our communities deserve a sustainable, equitable water future, and cutting essential funding for water infrastructure is a step backward.
 
 WASWD Legislative Update: 2025 Session Adjourns
The 2025 regular legislative session of the Washington State Legislature has officially adjourned. While the session was marked by significant political challenges, including contentious debates over taxes, spending, and policy priorities, several key issues affecting water and sewer districts were addressed. Here is a summary of the notable outcomes:

Challenging Political Dynamics The 2025 legislative session was one of the most politically volatile in recent memory. Newly inaugurated Governor Bob Ferguson surprised many in his own party by using his inaugural address to advocate for deeper spending cuts and increased investments in public safety. He followed this with a public commitment to veto a proposed “wealth tax” targeting high-net-worth individuals—a measure that accounted for more than half of the new revenue sought by legislative Democrats. He also expressed concern over the total $4 billion per year in proposed new taxes. These positions were not well received by Democratic majorities and set the stage for potential vetoes of key tax and spending provisions.

Democratic majorities advanced significant policy changes alongside the adoption of new taxes. These included statewide rent control, expanded unemployment benefits for striking workers, and a rollback of last year's law intended to strengthen parental rights in public education—originally passed to preempt a citizen initiative. These issues fueled intense Republican opposition and prolonged floor debates, especially in the House.

State Budget and Taxes The legislature passed a state budget of $77.9 billion for the 2025-2027 biennium, a 10% increase over the 2023-2025 budget. The budget, however, faces challenges with a $4 billion annual shortfall, which was mitigated through $2.2 billion in new taxes, hundreds of millions in funding shifts, and a $1 billion reduction in requested expenditures. Businesses, including large tech firms and banks, saw major tax hikes, as did individuals, with increased gas, property, and sales taxes. These changes will have far-reaching effects, particularly on utility districts that rely on funding for infrastructure maintenance and improvements.

Public Works Trust Fund (PWTF) The legislature again swept funds from the PWTF, diverting $402 million to support the state operating budget. However, $100 million was restored from bond proceeds for the Capital Budget, allowing for continued investment in utility projects. The final result ensures that there is sufficient revenue to cover previous loan approvals, provide matching for federal funds, and allow for $103.82 million in new lending authority. While the fund remains critical for districts, the diversion of funds continues to pose challenges for long-term infrastructure development.

Priority Legislation

Utility Relocation (SB 5690)  A bill to improve utility relocation coordination between WSDOT and utilities failed to reach the House floor for a vote. While the bill garnered support, WSDOT's opposition and competing legislative priorities prevented its passage. Efforts to include federal funding opportunities for utility relocation as part of culvert replacement were also left unaddressed.

Surplus Property (SB 5467)  WASWD's bill to increase the thresholds for districts to dispose of surplus real and personal property made significant progress but ultimately stalled on the House floor. The bill received broad bipartisan support but failed to gain sufficient priority for a vote before the session ended.

Protecting Self Performance of Work (HB 1966) A bill that sought to repeal the authority for districts to self-perform work beyond certain dollar thresholds was introduced but did not advance after receiving a hearing in the House.

Biosolid Management (SB 5033)  This bill passed and is awaiting the Governor's action. If signed, wastewater treatment plants will be required to test biosolids and report results to the Department of Ecology. Ecology will also form a stakeholder group to guide future recommendations to the Legislature regarding biosolid application standards.

Environmental Crimes (SB 5360)  A proposal to allow the state to charge districts or employees with a felony for violations related to wastewater, air emissions, or hazardous waste permits did not pass. While the bill raised concerns about its impact and implementation, interim discussions on environmental crimes will continue.

Construction Legislation Multiple construction-related bills were introduced:
  • SB 5061 aimed at adjusting prevailing wage rates on public works contracts but did not pass.
  • SB 5176 proposed changes to prompt pay requirements on public works contracts but failed to advance from the Senate.
  • SB 5627, a bill to modify the “Dig Law” and improve utility notification prior to construction, passed and is considered acceptable by WASWD.
Looking Ahead
While the 2025 legislative session ended with several setbacks for WASWD priorities, ongoing discussions over utility relocation, surplus property disposal, and environmental regulations will remain active. WASWD continues to advocate for policies that support water and wastewater districts and their ability to serve communities effectively. We encourage members to stay engaged as we prepare for potential interim discussions and the next legislative session.

WASWD will continue to work with lawmakers to ensure the critical needs of water and wastewater districts are prioritized. Thank you for your continued involvement in supporting effective policy solutions for our industry.
 
 Warm Spring, Fast Snowmelt Signal Mounting Drought Concerns
Despite a late-season boost to Washington's mountain snowpack in early April, rapid spring warming has accelerated snowmelt, worsening already dry conditions across much of the state. As of last week, the Upper Columbia basin snowpack dropped to just 68% of median, down from 82% earlier in the month and 12 points higher than this time last year.

The U.S. Drought Monitor now shows the entire Cascade range in “moderate drought,” with eastern regions such as the Methow Valley and western Okanogan County classified as “abnormally dry.” The streamflow forecast for the Methow River near Pateros is just 61%–68% of normal, raising concerns about summer water availability.

Last week, the Washington State Department of Ecology declared a drought emergency in the Yakima Basin and issued drought advisories for watersheds in seven additional counties, including Okanogan and Chelan. Although full emergency declarations haven't been triggered in those areas, Ecology officials warn that could change quickly.

Ecology Director Casey Sixkiller noted, “Climate change is rewriting the rules.” Washington has now experienced six drought declarations in the past decade, driven by trends toward lower snowpack, earlier spring onset, and hotter, drier summers.

In response to these risks, the Okanogan Conservation District has launched development of a countywide drought-preparedness plan, funded by Ecology and supported by local and state partners. The plan will identify regional vulnerabilities and recommend voluntary projects to improve resilience through irrigation efficiency, water system planning, and other long-term strategies. Completion is expected by the end of 2026.

Drought Response - Washington State Department of Ecology
 
 FEMA Abruptly Cancels BRIC Program
On April 4, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) stunned local governments nationwide with its unexpected cancellation of the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program. The decision threatens funding for 28 projects across Washington state — 72% of which were designated for rural or small communities, including over $100 million in mitigation investments in Grays Harbor County alone.

Governor Bob Ferguson formally urged FEMA Acting Administrator Cameron Hamilton to reinstate funding for projects previously selected between 2020 and 2023, highlighting the acute risks of flooding and tsunamis in coastal Washington and the long-term economic benefits of levee construction.
 
 Legislative News
Spokane Valley to Vote on Aquifer Protection Fee Renewal in August
Spokane Valley voters will decide this August whether to renew a $15 annual Aquifer Protection Area (APA) fee, joining other regional jurisdictions in recommitting to long-term protection of the Spokane Valley–Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer, the area's sole source of drinking water.
The APA was first established by Spokane County in 1985 and renewed in 2004. The current fee structure—$1.25/month for water use and $1.25/month for onsite sewage disposal—would remain unchanged for the next 20 years if voters approve the measure. For most households, that equates to $30/year.

Key Details:
  • City Council approved the ballot measure unanimously on Tuesday.
  • Spokane County has used APA revenues to replace 30,000+ septic systems with sewer connections, reducing contamination risks.
  • Spokane Valley would join other area cities and potentially add $1.8 million/year in revenue to the program.
  • At least 70% of revenue from Spokane Valley would be reinvested in the city's own aquifer protection efforts.
 
Washington State Enacts HB 1615 to Revise Water System Classifications
On April 16, 2025, Washington state enacted House Bill 1615 to improve the accuracy and consistency of public water system classifications. The bill, which received unanimous approval from both chambers of the legislature, addresses longstanding issues in how Group A and Group B water systems are designated issues that have historically resulted in compliance challenges and unnecessary financial burdens, especially for small water providers.

Targeted Fix for Overbroad Rule

Previously, DOH could classify a water system as Group A—subjecting it to stricter compliance obligations—based on default population-per-connection estimates, rather than actual user data. This practice often led to inaccurate classifications, particularly for remote or seasonal communities, where the system might serve fewer people than assumed. As a result, smaller systems were sometimes required to meet regulations intended for larger providers.

HB 1615 eliminates this loophole. Under the new law, DOH can no longer use default population metrics to classify a system as Group A if it doesn't meet the actual usage threshold. Group A systems will now only be classified based on verified criteria:
  • 15 or more service connections,
  • 25 or more people served per day for 60 or more days annually,
  • 1,000 or more people served for two or more consecutive days.
 
Lynden City Council Votes to Remove Fluoride from Water System 
In a significant decision on Monday night, the Lynden City Council voted 5-2 to remove fluoride from the city's water system. This follows months of debate, including a previous vote in July 2024, where the council voted 4-3 to remove fluoride, only for Mayor Scott Korthuis to veto the decision.

The issue returned to the agenda after a federal judge ordered the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to investigate the potential health risks associated with the fluoride levels currently approved in water systems. This led the council to reconsider the matter, culminating in a 6-0 vote in October 2024 to create an ordinance to eliminate fluoride from the water supply.
 
 Birch Bay Water & Sewer District Welcomes New Finance Director & HR Manager

Heather Sytsma joined Birch Bay Water and Sewer District (BBWSD) as its new Finance Director and HR Manager on April 1, bringing more than two decades of public service experience from the City of Lynden. Most recently serving as office manager for Lynden's public works department, Sytsma sought a more utility-centered role, citing the appeal of a “more predictable and stable budget” than tax-based systems.

WASWD welcomes Heather Sytsma to the water and sewer district community!
 PFAS
Key Actions Announced by the EPA
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) made significant announcements on April 28, 2025, outlining its plans to address the growing concerns over Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). The key points in this announcement highlight the EPA's ongoing commitment to tackle PFAS contamination while considering the impacts on both industry and consumers. Here's a breakdown of what this means:

Key Actions Announced by the EPA
  1. Effluent Limitation Guidelines (ELGs):
    The EPA plans to create effluent limitation guidelines (ELGs) aimed at preventing PFAS from entering drinking water systems through industrial discharges. These guidelines will specifically target industries like PFAS manufacturers and metal finishers, and the agency may evaluate further industries where PFAS discharges should be limited.
  2. Engaging Congress and Industry on Liability:
    The EPA intends to work with Congress and the industry to establish a clear liability framework that ensures polluters are held accountable for contamination, while also protecting passive receivers (e.g., municipal water systems) from undue liability, which could ultimately impact consumers.
    • EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin expressed concern that the liability for cleanup costs could be passed down to consumers, which the EPA needs to consider in its regulatory approach.
  3. Advancing Remediation and Cleanup:
    The agency announced plans to continue supporting and advancing remediation and cleanup efforts in areas where drinking water supplies have been impacted by PFAS contamination. This is part of a broader effort to address legacy contamination and provide cleaner drinking water for affected communities.
  4. Development of Analytical Tools:
    The EPA will collaborate with states to assess the risks of PFAS contamination and help develop the necessary tools for risk assessment and monitoring of PFAS levels in the environment.
  5. Incorporating PFAS into the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI):
    Following the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2020, the EPA will add PFAS to the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI), which tracks toxic chemical releases and waste management activities. This move is intended to increase transparency and accountability for PFAS-related environmental risks.
  6. Use of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA):
    The EPA will use its Safe Drinking Water Act authority to investigate and address cases where PFAS poses an immediate endangerment to public health, ensuring that it can respond promptly to emergencies involving contamination.
Potential Implications for the Water Industry
  • Regulatory Developments:
    The announcement suggests that effluent discharge limits on PFAS may soon be established for specific industries, which could have far-reaching consequences for industrial wastewater management. This could potentially affect municipal wastewater and drinking water utilities that are already grappling with PFAS contamination.
  • Liability Protections for Water Systems:
    The EPA is considering liability frameworks that could protect passive receivers of PFAS contamination, such as municipal water and wastewater utilities. If passed, this could shield these agencies from financial burdens tied to cleanup efforts and PFAS lawsuits, as long as they adhere to applicable disposal laws.
  • Increased Monitoring and Reporting:
    The addition of PFAS to the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) will likely lead to increased scrutiny of industries that release PFAS. Water systems and regulators will need to closely monitor these releases and potentially adjust their response strategies accordingly.
 
Spokane County Serves $7.5 Million for PFAS Point-of-Entry Treatment
Spokane County Commissioner Al French announced that the County has secured $7.5 million in state funding to begin deploying Point-of-Entry Treatment (POET) systems in West Plains communities affected by PFAS contamination in private wells.

The funding, while below the original $18.5 million request, will allow Spokane County to prioritize installation of filtration systems at homes with the highest levels of contamination. The County will work in coordination with the Washington State Department of Ecology and the Spokane Regional Health District to determine eligibility based on water quality data.

Commissioner French credited bipartisan legislative support — especially from Senator Jeff Holy and Representatives Mike Volz and Jenny Graham — for advancing public health protections despite budget constraints. Funds are expected to be disbursed by early fall, with additional guidance on implementation expected in the coming months.
 
New Research Highlights Path Toward Replacing PFAS in Some Applications
A recent review article in the Journal of Colloid and Interface Science presents a promising blueprint for replacing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—commonly known as “forever chemicals”—in specific water-repellent applications. The research team compiled over a decade of findings to explore fluorine-free chemical alternatives that mimic PFAS properties in surfactants, which are used in products like firefighting foams and coatings.

PFAS are prized for their extreme durability and ability to repel water and oils due to strong carbon-fluorine bonds. However, these same properties make them persistent in the environment and in the human body, with links to cancer, high cholesterol, and other health concerns. Some scientists are working on ways to degrade PFAS in the environment, while others are now making headway in designing alternative compounds that do not rely on fluorine.

Among the most promising PFAS-free candidates are bulky, tree-branch–like molecules made of carbon and silicon. These alternatives have shown comparable effectiveness in lowering water's surface tension, a critical trait for firefighting foams and similar products. However, matching PFAS performance in oil-repelling coatings remains a major challenge.

While fluorine-free alternatives are not yet ready to fully replace PFAS in all applications, this research is a significant step forward in debunking the myth that PFAS are irreplaceable. WASWD continues to track developments in PFAS alternatives and regulation as water systems face increasing pressure to limit PFAS exposure.

Scientists home in on alternatives to ‘forever chemicals'
 
 Funding News
Seattle Considers Boosting Infrastructure Fees to Share Water Main Costs
The Seattle City Council is weighing a proposal to increase water, wastewater, and drainage system development charges in an effort to ease the financial burden on housing developers who are currently required to build costly mainline infrastructure.

Under the current code, only about 10% of new development projects are required to construct mainline extensions — but these few projects account for roughly $16 million per year in private infrastructure investment, according to Seattle Public Utilities (SPU). The city's new approach would shift more of these costs across all developers, using increased system development charges (SDCs) to fund partial reimbursements for those required to front infrastructure.

Key components of the proposed ordinance include:
  • Increasing water SDCs from $2,400 to $6,900
  • Establishing new wastewater SDCs at $2,600
  • Creating a drainage SDC of $1,125

SPU estimates the increased fees will generate $18 million annually, allowing the city to reduce direct developer contributions from $16 million to $3 million. Developers would still be responsible for designing and constructing mainline extensions but would only bear the cost of the segment directly in front of their property. SPU would reimburse the balance.

Mayor Bruce Harrell's office supports the plan, citing internal data showing that projects facing full infrastructure costs are 30% less likely to move forward. SPU acknowledged a projected $1.8 million shortfall during program rollout, to be covered by fees on new development.
 
$40 Million Secured for Odessa Groundwater Replacement Project
The recently enacted Washington State Capital Budget includes nearly $40 million for the Odessa Groundwater Replacement Program, a major water infrastructure effort benefiting Grant, Adams, and Lincoln counties. The investment supports the EL-22.1 Water Infrastructure Plan, which aims to deliver Columbia River surface water to deep-well irrigators and rural communities in the Odessa Aquifer Subarea, where groundwater levels continue to decline.

Craig Simpson, Secretary Manager of the East Columbia Basin Irrigation District, emphasized that the region's municipal and agricultural users are both vulnerable due to aquifer depletion. The project will help replace unsustainable groundwater withdrawals with surface water delivered through Columbia Basin Project facilities.

While this new state funding is a significant milestone, Simpson noted that additional tens of millions of dollars will still be required to complete the full system buildout. A community event celebrating the completion of one project phase is planned for next Monday.
 
Upcoming Meetings
Links to all virtual meetings are available on the Committee Documents webpage of the members only section of the WASWD website.
 

CANCELLED - Government Relation Committee

May 8, 2025 @10:00AM
Location: Virtual Zoom

Finance Committee

May 12, 2025 @10:00AM
Location: Virtual Zoom

Membership Committee

May 13, 2025 @10:00AM
Location: Virtual Zoom 

Section III Meeting

May 13, 2025 @6:00PM
Location: Bob's Burgers & Brew

Workforce Development Committee

May 14, 2025 @10:00AM
Location: Virtual Zoom

Conference & Training Committee

May 15, 2025 @10:00AM
Location: Virtual Zoom

Executive Meeting

May 19, 2025 @9:30AM
Location: WASWD Office

Board Meeting

May 19, 2025 @10:30AM
Location: Hybrid at WASWD Office

Board Workshop

May 19, 2025 @1:00PM
Location: Hybrid at WASWD Office

Section IV Meeting

May 19, 2025 @7:00PM
Location: Virtual Zoom

Section I & II Meeting

May 22, 2025 @6:00PM
Location: Virtual Zoom
 
 Trainings, Conferences & Events

The Management Academy
Presented by Archbright, $3,240. Registration Link

Monday, May 5, 2025 – Thursday, June 12, 2025 - 8:30AM - 12:30PM

The Management Academy at Archbright is a cohort learning program designed for experienced managers who are ready to take their skills to new heights. This team-based format builds an invaluable skillset in today's workplace. Participants engage in enriching discussions with colleagues who come from a diverse range of industries and professional roles.

NEW - Water Funding
Presented by The Ferguson Group, FREE. Registration Link

Tuesday, May 6, 2025 - 11:00AM

This session will explore funding opportunities through the Bureau of Reclamation and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), focusing on grants for water infrastructure, conservation efforts, and sustainable water management. Participants will learn about available funding programs and strategies to develop competitive grant applications.

ICS 300: Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents
Presented by King County OEM & Seattle OEM, FREE. Registration Link

Wednesday, May 14, 2025 – May, 16, 2025, Snoqualmie 

The ICS-300 course is designed for individuals who may take on a more significant role during an incident, either in a supervisory or supporting capacity. This course offers extensive hands-on practice with key NIMS concepts, providing a deeper understanding and the opportunity to apply them in real-world scenarios.

Disclosure 101: Candidates and Committees
Presented by PDC, FREE.

Wednesday, May 7, 2025, 10:00AM – 12:30PM  Registration Link
Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 1:30PM - 4:00PM  Registration Link

Candidates and committees, join the PDC for an overview of campaign finance regulations. Learn the basics of reporting, including rules around contributions and expenditures. Hear guidance on using volunteers, hosting fundraisers, and advertising campaigns.

Cyber Security for Utilities
Presented by RCAC, FREE. Registration Link

Wednesday, May 7, 2025, 9:00AM - 12:00PM

Cyber security best practices and incident response planning can prevent or mitigate many of these attacks and are essential to the sound operation and management of water and wastewater systems.

PNWS- AWWA 2025 Section Conference
Presented by PNWS- AWWA, $500. Registration Link

Wednesday, May 7, 2025 – Friday, May 9, 2025

The conference features pre-conference training sessions, technical presentations, a vendor trade show, and ample networking opportunities, including a golf tournament, opening reception, and young professional scavenger hunt.

Understanding the F-1
Presented by PDC, FREE. Registration Link

Wednesday, May 14, 2025, 10:00AM – 12:30PM  

Are you required to file the F-1 Personal Financial Affairs Statement? This class will explain what you need to know about the F-1 and demonstrate how to use the PDC's filing system to complete the 8 sections of the report.

Strategies for Addressing Onsite Difficult Sites for System Professionals
Presented by RCAC, FREE. Registration Link

Tuesday, May 13, 2025, 8:00AM - 5:00PM - Day 1
Wednesday, May 14, 2025, 8:00AM - 5:00PM - Day 2
Thursday, May 15, 2025, 8:00AM - 3:00PM - Day 3

This advanced course is designed for onsite system professionals with a foundational understanding of onsite wastewater treatment systems, including soil evaluation and system design. It focuses on providing solutions for new construction and teaches techniques for how to expand or repair failing onsite and decentralized wastewater systems.

Water Use Efficiency: Background, Water Loss, Guidance & Rules
Presented by RCAC, FREE. Registration Link

Wednesday, May 14, 2025, 9:00AM - 12:00PM

History of the Water Use Efficiency and guidance and rules. Also, what is important on the report, and how to mitigate water loss. 

ORCA Demonstration
Presented by Public Disclosure Commission, FREE

Thursday, May 15, 2025, 10:00AM – 12:30PM Registration Link 
Wednesday, May 28, 2025, 1:30PM – 4:00PM  Registration Link

Join the PDC to watch a demonstration of reporting various contributions, expenditures, and loans. Learn to personalize your campaign, import contacts, and enter fundraisers. Find out how to review and amend reports.

Consumer Confidence Reports: Guidance on Completing
Presented by RCAC, FREE. Registration Link

Thursday, May 22, 2025, 9:00AM - 12:00PM

How do you inform your consumers about the quality of their local drinking water? The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) requires that all community water systems submit a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to their customers by July 1st of each year. This annual report holds the water system accountable by reporting compliance successes and failures to water consumers. The most recent and welcome change to the CCR regulation is that CCRs can now be delivered electronically using the Environmental Protection Agency's iWriter tool.

Cyber Security for Utilities
Presented by RCAC, FREE. Registration Link

Wednesday, May 28, 2025, 9:00AM - 12:00PM

Cyber security best practices and incident response planning can prevent or mitigate many of these attacks and are essential to the sound operation and management of water and wastewater systems.

Western Washington Short School & Trade Show for Water & Wastewater Operators, Engineers & Managers
Presented by PNWS- AWWA, $150 - $375. Registration Link

Tuesday, June 3, 2025 – Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Join a two-day training event featuring five concurrent tracks.  Attend in-person or virtually — two tracks will be streamed online. Topics include water and wastewater treatment, maintenance, corrosion prevention, SCADA, and more.

Highlights: Everett WWTP Tour (Tuesday afternoon), Trade Show with manufacturers and reps (Wednesday), 1.3 CEUs available for full attendance (pending approval in OR & WA; accepted in ID), Operator scholarships available (application required).

Schedule and scholarship info available on the website — follow the Registration link to download.

NEW - Regional Water Cybersecurity Workshop
Presented by King County Emergency Management, FREE Registration Link

Wednesday, June 11, 2025, Day 1: OT or
Wednesday, June 18, 2025, Day 2: IT

Both days will include retrospective case studies and future recommendations for Water Operators and Emergency Managers. Attendees may register for any number of the 4 sessions: the two morning sessions will be instructional speaker sessions, and the two afternoon sessions will be interactive tabletop sessions. 

Join the 2025 Wastewater Symbiosis Study Tour
Presented by CSI, Application Link

Sunday, June 15 - 21, 2025

Key goals of the 2025 Wastewater Symbiosis Study Tour will be to translate inspiration and learnings from Denmark into action at our utilities back home in the PNW, to reshape many millions of dollars of capital investment and realize the economic and sustainability benefits of industrial symbiosis.

2025 Western Washington Short School Trade Show
Presented by PNWS- AWWA, $325. Registration Link

Wednesday, October 1-2, 2025, 8:00AM – 5:00PM Renton

This course reinforces information covered in the ICS-100 through ICS-300 courses, and discusses several new topics, including Area Command, and modifications to the standard ICS organizational structure that might be helpful during Complex Incidents.
 Associate Member Spotlight
PACE
Founded in 1992 with a dream of building one of the most successful civil engineer firms, PACE has evolved to create a multidisciplinary team of over 130 employees that offers our clients a complete package of civil and structural engineering, planning, surveying, and geographic information system (GIS) services. Our first client was a utility district; since then, we have expanded our reach to all of Washington and Oregon to continue serving special purpose districts. We support the Washington Association of Sewer and Water Districts as an associate member in their mission to advance the work of water and sewer districts and to better understand and connect with our special purpose clients.

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